Secondary Navigation

Bread Crumbs

Summer Trips to the Dentist

Summertime brings many things to mind, like picnics at the beach or sunning by the pool, but rarely trips to the dentist. However, planning dental care treatment for the summer can be beneficial for both children and adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. This is notable considering the number of runny noses, fevers and coughs treated throughout the year.

Scheduling dental exams in the summer is a great start to preventing tooth decay and other oral diseases that affect children. During the summer, children won’t miss school to go to checkups and long-term treatment plans can begin before school starts.

Younger children can start preventive care in the summer by getting exams and sealants. The sealants, in addition to the fluoride in the water in schools and tooth-friendly food choices, make an excellent combination to protect young teeth.

Adults can also take advantage of time off in the summer and plan their own dental care. While many people think sealants can only help children, the truth is that they can help adults too. Adults have more freedom to choose their daily menus and don’t always choose a diet best for their teeth. Additionally, studies have shown dental problems can be an indicator for more serious health problems like heart disease. Isn’t that worth adding one more day to summer vacation for a dental visit?

The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary, premium-based dental plan that offers comprehensive dental coverage for families of active duty service members, families of active Guard and Reserve service members and active Guard and Reserve service members who are not covered by Transitional Assistance Management Program after serving on active duty service for more than 30 days.

Many diagnostic and preventive services offered at no charge. For information about TDP eligibility, enrollment and costs, visit www.tricare.mil/dental or download the TRICARE Dental Program Benefit booklet.

TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense (DoD), DHA. All rights reserved.

The appearance of hyperlinks to external websites does not constitute endorsement by the DHA of these websites or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized government activities, the DHA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at other locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD website.